COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg praised his side’s character as they dug deep to secure a 0-0 draw at Skelmersdale United.

The Seagulls has two men sent off during the contest and were on the back foot throughout, but they fought hard to secure a share of the spoils and the young squad will look to build on this result when they host Newcastle Town on Saturday (3pm).

Hogg, said: "It was a very difficult night. All credit to Skelmersdale for their performance and they can consider themselves unlucky not to have got the three points with the chances they've had.

“But the pluses for us is that although we've rode our luck a little bit, we've kept a clean sheet away from home and to dig in with resolute dogged determination when we were down to nine men and get over the line with a point, showed great character.

"After a disappointing performance last Saturday I'm pleased with how a young side has adapted and coped with a very difficult situation as a group of men - and that's exactly what we were tonight.

"People stood up to be counted and particularly our young goalkeeper. His last save was one of the best I've seen for a long time.

"Our skipper (Tom McCready) led by example and Luke Horrocks was a warrior when he came on in the second half. We were under the cosh at the end as Skelmersdale went very direct, but to a man we've dug in and earnt the right to come away with a point.

"I spoke to the referee afterwards and he explained why he made the decisions. I'm not sure I agree with him, but I respect he's in charge and has a difficult job and I'm not going to criticise the referee. I didn't agree with his decisions at all, but we have to move on."

Two controversial second half red cards for Callum Hassan and Josh Brizell left the visitors with their backs against the wall, but two stunning saves from Paddy Rutter and an astonishing goalmouth clearance denied the home side a first victory of the season.